A am a personal trainer and an Exercise Specialist at a physical therapists office. We have several balance pads at work and I wanted one for my own practice. I was intrigued by the idea of a "massage layer" so I decided to try this one out.
Pros.
– The foam is nice, thick and dense. It is comparable with the products we have at work
– It is easy to clean
– It "sticks"/ does not slip across the floor
– The size is large enough to accommodate most people's foot stance.- The "massage" pattern on it is useful as a sensory spikes for people with neuropathy as it can increase blood circulation as well as sensory input, which can help "wake up" dormant nerve endings.
– Th"massage" pattern adds in a little more instability to the mat for those needing more of a challenge.
– The "massage" layer is great for those looking for some acupressure therapy. I tired sitting in it as shown in their pictures. I found it kinda hard and pokey, but it keeps your body from dumping weight into one area, like if you are driving long distances or sitting all day (maybe for someone in a wheelchair?). I have been sitting on it for an hour or so, and it is actually quite nice to do such.
– They actually included instructions. While I was not expecting such for a simple balance pad, it was nice to have to generate ideas on how to use it. I have got way more complicated pieces of equipment that don't come with anything to help you get started. So kudos to Hapbear.
Cons
– As a massager this really doesn't work since you can't easily slide it across the tissue like you can a roller or a ball to break up adhesions.
– Sitting/bodywork on this will not work for larger people as the mat is too small.
My Thoughts
Overall, I like this mat for balance. It will work for what I want and I am excited to try it with someone who has neuropathy (I do not currently have a neuropathy client, but I work a lot with pre and post rehab people as well as seniors, so it's time will come!).
As a massager though? It doesn't work. I was annoyed with that at first, but, after using it, I realised that it is more accurate to call it an acupressure layer since the pressure is pokey and static. If you think of it as acupressure, it is a unique, multi-functional 5 star product. If you think of it as something that can help get out adhesions, it is a 3 star product because it just doesn't work for that. I love the acupressure idea and it is a super useful product in the right context, so will give it a 5 star with caveats over the naming. Let that be noted.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
My goal for each review is to list both the pros and cons of the product as I see it.
– I reserve 4 (like) and 5 (love) star ratings only for products I would either recommend to others or buy for myself.
– 5 stars are specifically reserved for products that excite or amaze me, are exceptionally high quality, and/or work perfectly.
– 4 stars are for items that mostly work and that I like, but there are some improvements that could be made.
– 3 stars (it's ok) I would recommend with reservations. There are some positive product features, but the product has a/some major issues or flaws that I would like to see resolved first.
– 2 (don't like) and 1 (hate) are for items that don't work or quickly fail. For items that fail, I like to contact the sellers first to resolve the problem as it may be a manufacturing issue. Do note, most sellers work hard to make things right.
If my opinion changes over time, I will update my review to reflect that.
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